May 2023 Veterans' Resources Newsletter

Dear Neighbor,

Last month in Florida's Third Congressional District, my team and I were proud to support our local veterans at the dedication of the new VA Primary Care and Mental Health facilities in Gainesville. We presented hospital leadership with U.S. flags and Congressional Record certificates in honor of their service to our nation's heroes.

Additionally, with Memorial Day being recognized in the month of May, my team and I will be joining the millions of Americans in praying for the families of those we've lost—for the service members who so bravely and valiantly defended our freedoms until the very end. May we never forget that we are the land of the free because of the brave. Let us never forget these heroes.

As always, we welcome your feedback about what you read here, and if there are any events or announcements you'd like to see featured, reach out to us by clicking here. You can also check our website for new updates on our Veterans' Services tab. And as always, if you’re a veteran in FL-03 in need of assistance with any veterans-related issues, please call our Gainesville office at 352-505-0838.

With all that’s happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

In Liberty,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack
Proudly Serving Florida’s Third Congressional District
 

Presenting Gainesville VA With Flag, Congressional Record In Honor Of Health Facility Dedication

Last month, my team and I attended the dedication of the new VA Primary Care and Mental Health Facilities in Gainesville. These state-of-the-art clinics provide a wide range of services to our nation's veterans. I presented the hospital leadership team with flags flown over the U.S. Capitol and Congressional Record Certificates in honor of each clinic.

I'd like to extend a special thank you to the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System for all it has done to serve our veterans' community in North Central Florida, and we're excited to see how these facilities will continue to provide for our nation's heroes.

Upcoming Service Academy Day For Prospective Applicants

We're hosting an information day for prospective applicants interested in attending one of our nation's service academies! If you know a high school student or recent high school graduate who is interested in attending West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, or Merchant Marine Academy, this event is a great opportunity for them to speak with representatives from each of the five academies and learn more about the nomination process.

To RSVP to this event, email Dorothy Richardson at Dorothy.Richardson@mail.house.gov. You can learn more here or by clicking the button below.

The Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects the employment rights and ensures the reemployment of veterans, reservists, and National Guard members after a period of active service and prohibits employment discrimination because of past, current, or future military obligations. It covers all employers, regardless of size, in the public and private sectors.

VETS provides assistance to those experiencing service connected problems with their civilian employment and provides information about USERRA to employers. VETS also assists veterans who have questions regarding Veterans' Preference.
 
You can learn more about USERRA here, or by calling the toll-free number (866) 487-2365.

Length Of Service Requirements To Receive VA Health Care Benefits

If you served in the active military, naval or air service and are separated under any condition other than dishonorable, you may qualify for VA health care benefits. Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period for which they were called may also may be eligible for VA health care.

To be eligible for VA benefits, a veteran must have completed a minimum period of active duty. Effective September 8, 1980, a veteran must complete either 24 months of continuous active duty or the full period for which the veteran was called or ordered to active duty. 

You can learn more about length of service requirements for veterans here or by clicking the button below.

Scheduling VA Healthcare Appointments

VA Online Scheduling offers a secure, online way for you to request and self-schedule appointments at VA facilities and Community Care facilities. Within VA Online Scheduling, you can also view details about your upcoming appointments and download appointment data to your personal calendar. Veterans may also use online scheduling to self-schedule or request audiology, optometry, or outpatient mental health appointments.

The appointments you can schedule online depend on your facility, the type of care you need, and other factors.

You can read VA Mobile for scheduling online appointments here or by clicking the button below.

Expedited Concealed Weapon, Firearm License Applications For Active Military & Veterans In Florida

Florida concealed weapon or firearm license applications submitted by active military members and veterans are now expedited.

Active military personnel who want to apply for a concealed weapon license should include a copy of their Common Access Card or other form of official military identification with their applications. The Florida Department of Agriculture will also accept a copy of service members' current orders as proof of active duty status.

Honorably discharged veterans should submit a copy of their DD 214 long form with their applications.

You can learn more about firearms applications for active military and veterans in the state of Florida here or by clicking the button below. Please note that not all concealed carry permits are honored outside the state of Florida; when traveling, be sure to check the state laws for additional information on reciprocity. 

VA Burial Benefits For Fallen Veterans

You may be eligible for Veterans burial allowances if you’re paying for the burial and funeral costs and you won’t be reimbursed by any other organization, like another government agency or the veteran's employer. 

For service-related deaths, the VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001, or up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 11, 2001. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

You can learn more burial allowances for non-service-related deaths and eligibility requirements here or by clicking the button below.

Elder Options For Veterans

Elderly veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, Veteran Readiness and Employment, and burial.

Two VA programs provide certain elderly veterans with an additional monetary amount if you are eligible for or receiving a VA Pension benefit:

• Aid and Attendance (A&A) is an increased monthly pension amount
• Housebound is an increased monthly pension amount paid if you are substantially confined to your immediate premises because of a permanent disability

You can learn more about elder options for veterans here or by clicking the button below.

Florida National Guard Change Of Command Ceremony

Last week, Maj. Gen. John D. Haas (pictured left) assumed command of the Florida National Guard as the incoming adjutant general during a change of command ceremony at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.

Maj. Gen. James O. Eifert (pictured right), the outgoing adjutant general, relinquished his command as he retired following nearly 41 years of dedicated military service and four years as the state's highest-ranking military official.

You can view a short video of the ceremony here or by clicking the button below.

Did You Know? The Difference Between Memorial Day & Veterans' Day  

With Memorial Day being recognized in May, people are beginning to plan now for next month's contributions of our veterans. But many do not know what defines this holiday in comparison to Veterans' Day, which falls in November each year.

• Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. This solemn occasion is a time to reflect on these American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and defending the country they deeply loved.
• Veterans' Day honors everyone who has served in the military, whether or not they served in wartime or died in battle.

You can learn more about the history of Memorial Day here or by clicking the button below.

Veterans' Services Tab On Rep. Cammack's Website

The Veterans' Services tab of Rep. Cammack's website has information on a wide variety of topics, including news from the VA, resources for veterans, and more. These pages are consistently updated so our FL-03 veterans have the most updated information. Additionally, should you need assistance with the VA, our team can help you by opening a case and contacting the VA on your behalf.